Turmeric has a rich, mildly spicy flavor profile that lends itself to many recipes. Some people consider it to be a spice that they purchase for one curry recipe that they’ll never make again, while others swear by it, adding it to their favorite recipes and even purchasing turmeric supplements. Are you going to take advantage of turmeric’s health properties? It’s so readily available that you’d be foolish not to do so!

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic healing and Traditional Chinese Medicine to naturally remedy a variety of conditions. More recently, turmeric has been studied for its medicinal properties, which are attributed to compounds known as curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most important. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with impressive anti-inflammatory properties, but it is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Turmeric must be consumed with black pepper to aid absorption and increase bioavailability. The piperine in black pepper helps to enhance the absorption of curcumin by 2,000 percent.

Using Turmeric As An Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric has been widely sold as a supplement because it may help reduce inflammation. It helps the body fight bacteria and pathogens that could easily harm the body and lead to chronic inflammation and other illnesses. Scientists believe that low-level inflammation is the common denominator in most Western diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and other degenerative disorders. Curcumin has matched the effectiveness of certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and the best part is that it does so without their potential side effects. The curcumin blocks NF-kB, a molecule that can travel to cell nuclei to ignite inflammatory genes.  Finally, curcumin helps to increase brain levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth hormone that functions in the brain. Low levels of BDNF are common in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, so adding turmeric to your diet may reduce the risk of these disorders.

That information is well and good, but you need to know how to properly add turmeric to your diet to reap its benefits. That’s why we have put together a list of five tasty turmeric drinks, just to show you that it isn’t reserved for curries.

Golden Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
• ½ cup freshly grated turmeric
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cups filtered water, plus another ½ cup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup raw honey
• ½ teaspoon cardamom
• ½ cup organic coconut milk

Instructions:

• Mix the turmeric in 1.5 cups of water in a saucepan
  over low heat. Add the rest of the water and mix it with a wooden spoon.
• Slowly add the rest of the ingredients and keep the
  pan over a low flame. Keep stirring until you get a mildly thickened drink that
  has a golden tinge. Drink at your leisure.

Turmeric Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cup mango, cubed and frozen overnight
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• ½ banana, peeled and chopped
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and
  blend until smooth. You can add more almond milk or a little water if it is too
  thick.
• Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Turmeric Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground ginger root
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground turmeric
• raw honey, to taste

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients, except the honey, to
  a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.
• Once the mixture is boiling, immediately reduce
  the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and allow it
  to cool for five minutes.
• Pour the mixture into a mug through a fine mesh
  sieve. Sweeten with desired amount of raw honey and enjoy.

Turmeric Tea

Ingredients:

• pinch of nutmeg powder
• 1.5 cups filtered water
• pinch of clove powder
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
• pinch of black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• raw honey, to taste

Instructions:

• Warm the water in a saucepan over medium heat.
  When it begins to bubble, add all of the ingredients and mix well.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for a few
  minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a mug through a
  fine mesh sieve. Sip and enjoy.

Turmeric Juice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh turmeric root, peeled and roughly
  chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
• 4 cups coconut water
• pinch of black pepper
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons raw honey

Instructions:

• Add the turmeric, ginger, coconut water, and
  black pepper to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a
  boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the
  heat and stir in the lemon juice and honey.
• Strain the mixture into a glass bottle through a
  fine mesh sieve and refrigerate. Enjoy once it is chilled.

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Belonging to the ginger family, turmeric was first cultivated in India and Indonesia, where it was used in culinary, medicinal, and religious practices. People often associate turmeric with the deep golden hue of curries, but it actually has a long history of medicinal use. It has been known to treat a variety of skin conditions (including eczema and rashes), stomach ailments, or liver problems. Turmeric remains an important herb in Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian system that focuses on natural healing.

A Pakistani Thyroid Study

A high percentage of people in South Asian countries have thyroid disorders, which are primarily attributed to iodine deficiency and goitrogen intake. Goitrogens are substances that disrupt the natural production of thyroid hormones, and they interfere with iodine uptake. In a study that involved 2,335 residents from Pak Pattan, Punja, Pakistan, the presence of goiter was more common in females, unmarried individuals, and in people who drank tube well (subterranean) water. The study observed that goiter was extremely high in those with hyperthyroidism. Goiter was less common in people who consumed spices, chilies, and turmeric daily. Furthermore, turmeric use was associated with reduced goitrogenesis. Follow up studies will focus on the quantity of turmeric that should be consumed for goiter treatment.

How Does Turmeric Benefits The Thyroid?

For people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (the “itis” indicating inflammation of the thyroid gland), chronic or excess inflammation is very common. Additionally, intestinal permeability or heavy metal toxicity are common factors in autoimmune-related diseases, including Hashimoto’s. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is rich in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Curcumin has been known to:

• Reduce the hepatotoxicity that is induced by cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, or mercury. It can also maintain liver antioxidant enzyme status and protect against mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Help protect the intestinal barrier from infection, which is beneficial for those with leaky gut.
• Protect against the side effects and genetic damage of radioactive iodine, which is occasionally used to help treat Graves’ disease.
• Produce anti-inflammatory effects by regulating Th-1 cytokines, which may be overactive in patients with Hashimoto’s disease. People also praise turmeric for its ability to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which may benefit those with irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.

Turmeric Tea For Your Thyroid

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
• a few slices of fresh ginger root
• a pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

• Mix the turmeric and black pepper in a large mug. Black pepper is in this tea because it increases the bioavailability of turmeric, allowing your body to absorb it more easily.
• Pour the boiling water into the mug and stir to help dissolve the black pepper and turmeric.
• Add the coconut oil, which also helps the body absorb turmeric, and mix well.
• For added taste and health benefits, add the ginger slices and cinnamon, stirring well to combine flavors.
• Drink this tea twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Follow this regimen for two weeks and then take a two-day break before resuming.

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Every person has his or her own eating habits or favorite foods. The underlying theme between people and food is that nobody wants to feel bloated. You don’t want to attempt to zip up those pants, you want to zip them up with ease. A flat belly may not always be in the cards because of the foods you eat, an allergic reaction, or before/during menstrual cycles (for women).

Bloating is different than extra fat around the midsection. This temporary abdominal distention affects almost everyone at some point in life. The most common cause of bloating is intestinal gas, not water weight, even though many people disagree. Fluid retention is typically seen in the feet or ankles, and the abdomen is not where fluids accumulate first. Gas isn’t the only cause of bloating, however.

Reasons For Bloating

Gluten Sensitivity

A lot of people are gluten intolerant and they don’t know it. Try eliminating it from your diet for total of three weeks and then eat something with gluten to see if it is the culprit of your symptoms.

Poor Food Combining

Some people have more sensitive digestive systems and must eat certain foods separately to avoid bloating. Fruits should be eaten alone, and you shouldn’t combine them with proteins or other foods. You also shouldn’t combine protein and carbohydrates, for example, steak and potatoes. Check out our food combining chart for help.

Irregular Meal Times

It is ideal to maintain a consistent eating schedule because eating sporadically can interfere with healthy digestion. You should also avoid eating after eight o’clock at night because this can impair digestion and sleep.

Dairy Products

Dairy is a common cause of bloating and poor digestion. As the body ages, it actually loses the necessary enzymes for breaking down and processing milk sugars, which results in bloating. Ditch dairy to see if it makes a difference.

Imbalanced Gut Flora

When healthy bacteria are more prevalent in the body, you tend to feel a lot better. Your metabolism functions smoothly, you have better energy, and you are less likely to experience bloating.

Parasites

If parasites are living in your gut, a common side effect is bloating. It is ideal to get tested for bacterial overgrowth and parasites if you believe that you have come in contact with them.

Foods That Decrease Bloating

Anise

Anise contains antispasmodic properties, which work to calm the digestive tract. It also has carminative properties that assist in the reduction of gases in the digestive tract. It also helps to reduce stomach swelling.

Peppermint

Containing menthol, which has an antispasmodic effect on the soft muscle of the digestive tract, peppermint is great for relaxing an upset stomach. It is beneficial to drink a cup of peppermint tea when you are feeling bloated to reduce the pain.

Fennel

Acting as a natural diuretic, fennel helps to flush out excess gas in the digestive system. Fennel seeds are actually more beneficial, containing antimicrobial properties that help to treat stomach pain, bloating, gas, or even lower back pain.

Ginger, Lemon, & Turmeric Tea

High stress levels have been associated with low stomach acid, which can cause indigestion, bloating, and gas. If stress is the culprit of bloating, drink a combo tea of lemon, ginger, and turmeric. Lemons help to increase the production of stomach acid; turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract; and ginger helps the stomach move food down the digestive tract for healthy bowel movements.

Drink Up

We are, of course, referring to hydrating with water. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of bloating because the body is retaining excess water. Drinking more water helps you eliminate efficiently, remain hydrated, and decrease bloating.

Eat Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are naturally rich in probiotics, which help to maintain a healthy, balanced gut. Probiotics actually help repair the gut and prebiotics feed probiotics to enhance their inherent benefits.

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During these colder months, sipping on a hot cup of tea is a great idea. Aside from warming up your core temperature, you could be reaping a bunch of health benefits with every sip. Rather than going for the standard, cheap, no-name black tea, spring for some delicious herbal teas like the ones that are in this article.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is one of the best things to drink if you have an upset stomach. It’s also great if you had a big night out on the town and need something soothing. The beneficial properties of the tea work to keep the digestive system functioning like it should.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberries contain tons of antioxidants that work to stimulate the immune system. It comes as no surprise, then, that this tea helps to get rid of cold sores and canker sores. Because this tea also works to promote uterine health, pregnant woman are advised to avoid drinking a lot of this. It can make them urinate even more.

Rooibos Tea

If you can successfully pronounce this tea, props to you. Since rooibos basically gets rid of free radicals in the body, it helps boost antioxidant levels. It also helps to enhance antioxidant defenses. Rooibos tea has been shown to be 30% more effective at causing apoptosis (cancer cell death) than other herbal teas. It is particularly effective on premalignant cells.

Turmeric Tea

Not only can turmeric help to spice up your memory, but it also works to boost the immune system and fight cancer cells. Consuming turmeric may even help to fight off Alzheimer’s disease. While using the powder to make tea is beneficial, using fresh turmeric root will yield the most benefits.

Ginger Tea

Ginger has too many health properties to list. It works to boost the immune system, but drinking the tea can also be beneficial if you have a sore throat. Ginger is incredibly rich in vitamin C, works to promote healthy circulation, and can actually help you get rid of water weight.

Chamomile Tea

If you have trouble going to sleep or have insomnia, drinking chamomile tea can help calm your nerves and put you to bed. Chamomile tea almost acts as a mild, all-natural tranquilizer! Prepare one cup of chamomile tea and drink it about 1.5-2 hours before bed. You can drink several cups in the evening if you suffer from insomnia.

Orange Peel Tea

Orange peel tea is great no matter what time of the year it is. Not only is it filled with powerful antioxidants and flavonoids, it also contains compounds that work to combat the aging process. If you have acne, orange peel tea is beneficial to drink because it works to reduce inflammation and redness. You can easily make this by peeling the orange, chopping the peel, and boiling the peel for about 10 minutes.

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Cleansing is one of the best ways to flush toxins from your entire body. Since we are constantly exposed to toxins via our food, environment, and skin products, among other things, it is beneficial to get those toxins out of the body to live a healthier life. You don’t want to them to build up in your system and increase your risk of developing cancer, bowel diseases, or respiratory illnesses.

There is more than one way to cleanse the body. While the Full Body Cleanse is a tried and true regimen that helps rid the body of toxins, you can continue to cleanse your system by drinking various tea combinations. Most people don’t realize that skin health is directly related to what is happening internally. Toxic build-up in the body can cause acne or other skin conditions like psoriasis. To help cleanse the system and clear up the skin, here are several tea recipes you need to be drinking.

Lemon & Ginger Tea

Lemon is one of the best ingredients for healthy skin because it is loaded with antioxidants. Additionally, these antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and nourish skin cells. Ginger, on the other hand, is a known stomach soother and has incredible anti-inflammatory properties, which is great for those with joint pain.

Ingredients

• 4 cups boiling water
• 2-inch piece of ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

• After boiling the water in a pot, remove from heat and add the ginger and lemon slices. Let this steep for about 20 minutes and then strain the liquid.
• You can serve this cold or warm. Warm is best if you have a sore throat. Drink within 2 days of brewing.

Green Tea Spiced Tonic

Green tea has some amazing health benefits. What happens when you add other spices to it? Well, it gets even better. This tonic is great for getting over a cold, or fighting a cold if you feel one coming on. The added spices help regulate blood sugar levels and supply the body with a boatload of nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 green tea bag
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 8 ounces boiling water

Instructions

• After adding the tea bag and spices to a mug or teacup, pour the hot water in and let it steep for 5-8 minutes. Remove the tea bag. Make sure the spices are dissolved in the water; you may have to stir the water to aid this process.
• Drink and enjoy your tea.

Turmeric Tea

This tea is great for boosting the immune system and aiding liver detoxification. In addition to drinking this tea, it is wise to limit your consumption of sodium, fats, refined, sugars, dairy products, meats, and processed foods because these can be taxing on the liver. The tea will not be effective if you continue to eat those foods all the time.

Ingredients

• 5 cups filtered water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric root, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon ginger root, freshly grated
• ½ a lemon, juiced with the peel
• 1 tablespoon of agave syrup

Instructions

• Combine the turmeric, ginger, and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer this mixture for about 5-10 minutes, but don’t let it boil.
• Remove from the heat and strain the liquid into a large mug. Add the lemon juice and agave and stir to combine flavors. Enjoy!

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